DE3229335A1 - CLOCK - Google Patents

Description

UHLANDSTRASSE ιλ c d? Ooo Stuttgart

A 45 244 b Applicant: TIMEX Corporation

k- 176 Waterbury ", Conn. 06

August 3, 1982 USA

clock

The invention relates to a watch with a housing, with display devices through a window of the Housing are visible, with controls on the housing for setting functions of a clockwork the clock and with a hinged to the housing stand, which from a first position in which he is essentially on the front of the clock and serves as a cover, in a second position is pivotable, in which it is located essentially on the back of the clock to this in a to hold the position allowing reading of the display devices.

In particular, the invention is concerned with a miniature digital travel alarm clock.

It is known to provide travel alarm clocks with a cover and / or a stand. For example is in U.S. Design Patent 255,433 dated June 17, 1980, a travel alarm clock with a digital display on it Front and shown with a swiveling cover and mounting element. With the well-known Alarm clock can cover and stand in front of the

-5-

A 45 244 b

k - 176 - 5 -

3rd August 1982

The display can be swiveled to completely cover the front of the watch. On the other hand, the cover and mounting element can be swiveled onto the back of the clock, where it serves as a stand, which the clock or the display at a suitable angle for reading holds.

Furthermore, a travel alarm clock is shown in US design patent 255,996 dated July 22, 1980, the one Has a base to which a stand is pivoted. During the trip this will stand up pivoted into a recess at the base of the alarm clock. When using the alarm clock, the stand is turned off of the recess pivoted out and aligned transversely to the base, so that he the alarm clock in a substantially vertical position.

US design patent 249,822 dated October 3, 1978 shows a digital watch that combines with a calculator is and to which a cover is hinged, on which a window is provided. When the calculator is not in use the cover can be closed with the digital time display through the window in the cover is visible, while the keys of the computing part are protected and covered by the cover will. Similar coverage is also available on one by US Design Patent 258,251 dated February 10th 1981 known computer with digital clock provided.

A 45 244 b

k - 176: - 6 -

3rd August 1982

Travel alarm clocks are also known in which a pivotable stand is mounted at one end of the clock case is . During the trip, the stand is pivoted to the end of the watch case that he one Represents extension of the watch case. In use, the stand is swiveled out so that part of it reaches behind the watch case and holds the watch in a selectable incline in which the time display can be easily read.

The disadvantage of the travel alarm clock according to the prior art is that this normally occurs during travel are completely enclosed or covered so that the time cannot be read, although this it might also be desirable during the trip. In addition, the miniaturized digital clocks with alarm device, as they are the subject of the invention, not addressed in the strict sense as an alarm clock rather than pocket watches. It is therefore special with such watches desirable if they allow convenient reading of the time during transport without there would be a risk that the controls would be actuated in an undesired manner.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a watch which, on the one hand, can be transported in this way can that the display is visible, while the controls against undesired operation

A 45 244 b

k - 176 - 7 -

3rd August 1982

are protected and on the other hand are set up as an alarm clock on a table top or the like can.

In the case of a watch, this task is the one described at the beginning Type solved according to the invention in that the stand is designed as a bracket element and such is that he has at least one control element of the control devices in its first position with a cover and the window for the display devices for reading through leaves the user free.

The particular advantage of the clock according to the invention is there in that the time can be read at any time, but that no undesired actuation of the controls takes place when the cover is in its first position, also called the closed position can be designated.

In an embodiment of the invention there is also the possibility of an actuating element of the clock so to arrange that it can be operated comfortably during transport and when the clock is freely positioned, without the risk of the clock slipping when the clock is set up when attempting to operate the Actuation element would exist. This advantage is achieved in that the actuating element in a Trunnion is installed around which the as

-8th-

A 45 244 b

k - 176 - 8 -

3rd August 1982

Is pivotable cover 4i ^{enes e} ^ stand, so that the actuating element can be detected regardless of the pivotal position of the positioner.

In _a: erf indungsgemäßen time it is also favorable / that it is possible to choose by setting the friction · between the stand and the housing a largely arbitrary angular position of the positioner opposite the watchcase free.

In a preferred embodiment of a clock according to FIG According to the invention, a window is provided on the front of the watch case through which display devices are visible inside the housing, with a control panel with control elements adjacent to the window, such as slide switches or pushbuttons. At the top of the watch case a bow-shaped stand is attached, which has an open area and an adjoining cover part. The stand is according to the invention can be pivoted into a first position in which the cover part over the control elements of the control panel is to prevent unintentional actuation or adjustment of the same, during the The open part of the stand is located above the window, so that even when the controls are covered the time can be read. The stand is also in a second position behind the Swivel watch case, around the clock in one for one

-9-

A 45 244 b

k - 176 - 9 -

3rd August 1982

convenient reading of the time to keep favorable position.

In the embodiment to be explained below The watch case is a flat / rectangular case with the window in the upper part of the While the control panel is provided in the lower part of the front. The vertical Lateral narrow sides running to the front are in the upper part each with one facing outwards provided protruding pivot pin. The legs of the bow-shaped stand are on this pivot pin hinged, which in its closed position with a cover covers the control panel and the window on the front of the housing. The open area is located between the two legs of the operator.

Further details and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings and / or are the subject of subclaims. Show it:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a clock according to FIG Invention when the stand is pivoted backwards;

-10-

A 45 244 b

k - 176 - 10 -

3rd August 1982

Fig. 2 is a front view of the clock according to

Fig. 1 with pivoted forward, located in its closed position Stand;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the right side of the clock of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the left side of the clock of Fig. 2;

FIG. 5 * shows a rear view of the clock according to FIG. 2; FIG.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the front housing part of an injection molded Watch case;

Fig. 7 is a front view of a molded watch stand according to the invention;

Fig. 8 is a side view of the right

Side of the stand according to FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 9 shows a cross section through a first articulated connection of a watch according to FIG of the invention and

-11-

A 45 244 b

k - 176 - 11 -

3rd August 1982

10 shows a cross section through a second articulated connection of a clock according to Invention.

In detail, Fig. 1 of the drawing shows a clock 1 in the open or second state, as shown on a Table or the like is set up if it is to serve as an alarm clock. You can see it on the front the clock 1 a window 2 and a control panel 3, the both are provided on the front of a housing 4. A flange 5 runs along the underside of the rear part of the housing 4 and when the clock 1 is set up partially along the narrow sides of the same above. In known, in connection with the present invention with regard to the details not essential Way, the housing 4 contains a clockwork, which is fed from a suitable battery and a Controls display unit, which shows the time of day, with additional functions, for example an alarm function, a date display, etc. can be provided. The display unit itself can, for example, be a Be liquid crystal display unit. Several control elements 6 to 11 are provided in the control panel, where various settings can be made, for example switching the clock on and off, setting an alarm time, setting the time, setting the date, etc. The operating elements 6 to 11 should on the one hand be easily accessible

-12-

A 45 244 b

k - 176 - 12

3rd August 1982

be; on the other hand, an unintentional actuation of the operating elements is to be prevented in an undefined manner will.

According to the invention is on the housing 4 at two pivot points A and B articulated a bracket element 12, which has several functions.

The bracket element 12 is in Fig. 2 in its second
End position with respect to the housing 4 is shown. In this second end position, the bracket element rests against inclined surfaces 5 a of the flange 5, which define the end position of the bracket element 12. An actuation button 16 is provided at the pivot point A, which the
Repetition of the triggering of a wake-up process is used.

FIG. 2 of the drawing shows a front view of the clock according to the invention in the "closed" state, the window 2, which lies above the display unit, being freely visible, as in FIG. 1. FIG
clearly that the bracket element 12, which assumes its first end position when the clock 1 is closed,
a cover part 12a and two side parts 12b and 12c. The window 2 lies in the space between the side parts 12b, 12c or legs, while the cover part covers the control panel 3 on the housing 4.

-13-

A 45 244 b

k - 176 - 13 -

3rd August 1982

As is clear from the side view according to FIG. 4, which shows the closed watch according to FIG. 2 an adjustable screw 14 with a slotted head is provided at pivot point B, with the aid of which the friction between the bracket element 12 and the housing 4 can be adjusted.

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the closed clock according to FIG. 2. A conventional battery cover can be seen 15 and the inclined surfaces 5a of the flange 5.

Fig. 6 shows a plan view of the front half 4a of the housing 4 with the bracket element not mounted 12. It can be seen that the housing 4 recesses 17, for the controls 6 to 11 and another, has recess 19 serving to accommodate a window glass or the like. The rear half (not shown) of the housing 4 is designed to match the front half 4a of the same and with the above mentioned flange 5 is provided. On the opposite narrow sides of the housing 4 are on Cylindrical lugs 20, 21 serving as pivot pins are provided at the upper end. These elements 20, 21 are used for articulating the bracket element 12, which is shown in Fig. and -8.

From the plan view shown in Fig. 7 of the front side of the bracket element 12 it is clear that the one leg or the one on the left in FIG. 7

-14-

A 45 244 b

k - 176 - 14 -

3rd August 1982

Side part 12b has an opening 24, while the side part 12c located on the right has an opening 2 3 having. The opening 23 is somewhat larger than the shoulder 20, so that it can engage with the opening 23 with a certain amount of play, thereby causing a pivoting movement is made possible. On the other hand, the opening 22 is significantly larger than the extension 21, so that between A compressible elastomeric washer 27 can be arranged between the two elements. Fig. 8 shows further details of the bracket element 12 in a side view, the cross-sectional shape of the Cover part 12a shown in dashed lines is.

The cross-sectional view according to FIG. 9 shows details of the articulated connection at pivot point A. It can be seen that the extension 20 is hollow and has an opening 24 which the actuating button 16 is slidable can accommodate. In this case, a switch 25 is arranged in the interior of the housing 4, which through a spring element 26 is actuated when the actuating button 16 is pressed inward. The actuation button 16 and the switch 25 are connected to each other in such a way that that a selected function is brought about when ..- itself the bracket element 12 is in its first or in its second end position. In a preferred embodiment the actuation button 16 is used on the one hand to switch on lighting and on the other hand a repetition of the triggering of a wake-up

A 45 244 b

k - 176 - 15 -

3rd August 1982

Process, with an alarm signal for a given Time interval is interrupted before it is repeated.

Fig. 10 shows a cross section through the pivot point B, where a joint with adjustable frictional force is provided. It can be seen that between the approach 21 and the Opening 22 of the bracket element 12, the elastomeric washer 27 is arranged. The screw 14 can be tightened or be loosened to compress the washer 27 more or less and so the Adjust the friction to the desired value.

function

The function of the clock according to the invention should be from the above description will become clear. In detail, a pivoting of the bracket element 12 leads into his Closed position or in its first end position (Fig. 2) to ensure that the watch can be transported, with the time display being visible, while an unintentional Actuation of the controls behind the cover is avoided. On the other hand, the actuation button can also be operated when the watch is closed.

If you pivot the bracket element 12 from its first into its second end position, so if you have the bracket element 12 at an angle of almost 350 ° around the

A 45 244 b

k -176 - 16 -

3rd August 1982

Pivot points A and B pivots, then the control elements provided on the front of the housing 4 become accessible, while the bracket element 12 at the same time setting up the clock on a table or the like, enables. Since the friction for pivoting the bracket element can be easily adjusted, you can bring the bracket element in such a position with respect to the housing that the housing or the Window is in the most favorable position for reading the time. If desired, one or more can be used Locking positions for the bracket element can be provided so that it is in predetermined angular positions, for example can be fixed at an angle of 60 °. If the clock according to the invention as a table clock or Is used as a portable pocket watch., Then the operating button 16 is independent of the position of the Bracket element can be operated at any time. Due to the small dimensions of the watch - the length of the watch is for example, only about 7.5 cm - the actuation of the actuation button 16 can be done conveniently when you have the The watch is grasped at the two pivot points A, B with the thumb and one finger and exerts pressure. on this makes the watch easy to operate despite its small size.

Blank page

Claims (1)

HOEGER ₁ STELLiRECHT & PARTNER PATENT LAWYERS ·. -O ZC Ό Ο ό Ό UHLANDSTRASSE t4 C D 7000 STUTTGART 1 A 45 244 b Applicant: TIMEX Corporation k- 176 Waterbury, Conn. 06720 August 3, 1982 USA Claims [1.) Clock with a case, with display devices that are visible through a window in the case, with controls on the housing for setting functions of a movement of the clock and with a hinged to the housing stand, which from a first position in which he is in essentially located on the front of the clock and serves as a cover, in a second position is pivotable, in which it is located essentially on the back of the watch to this in to hold a position allowing reading of the indicators, thereby gekennz eichnet that the stand is designed as a bracket element (12) and in such a way that that in its first position (FIG. 2) it has at least one operating element (6 to 11) of the operating devices with a cover part (12a) covers and the window (2) for the display devices for leaves free reading by the user. -2- A 45 244 Jd k - 176 = - i - 3rd August 1982 2. Clock according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (4) with a first pivot pin (21) is provided for the bracket element (12) and that adjusting devices (14, 27) are provided are, with the help of which a between the housing (4) and the hinged bracket element (12) effective frictional force for freely adjusting the angular position of the bracket element (12) relative to the Housing (4) is adjustable. 3. Clock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (4) with a second Pivot pin (20) for the bracket element. (12) is provided and that in the second pivot pin (20) an actuating element (16) is provided which is independent of the position of the bracket element (12) can be actuated relative to the housing (4). 4. Clock according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuating element (16) has a switch (25) in the Is assigned to the interior of the housing (4). 5. Clock according to claim 1, characterized in that the bracket element (12) has two legs (12b, 12c) has, between which there is an open area that is located in the first position of the The bracket element (12) is located above the window (2) and over the cover part (12a) of the bracket element (12) are interconnected, and that A 45 244 b k - 176 - 3 - 3rd August 1982 the legs (12b, 12c) are articulated at their free ends with two opposing pivot pins projecting laterally from the housing (4) (20, 21) are connected. 6. Clock according to claim 5, characterized in that the pivot pins (20, 21) on the upper in use Part of the housing (4) are provided. 7. Clock according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (4) with a along its lower Narrow side and provided over part of its lateral narrow sides extending flange (5) is, which ends in inclined surfaces (5a), which act as stop surfaces for limiting the pivoting movement of the bracket element (12) when pivoting the same serve in his second position. 8. Clock according to claim 2, characterized in that the adjusting devices are a compressible, elastomeric Have ring element (27) and a screw (14) acting thereon. -4-